Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4GvsXiaomi Redmi 9T

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G

Xiaomi Redmi 9T

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G is the most affordable model among the new Redmi phones, offering good value for its price. It's essentially identical to the 5G version but without the higher-speed chipset and a different main camera. The phone has a plastic body with a smooth frosted finish that doesn't smudge easily, and it's surprisingly lightweight in the hand. The display is a 6.57-inch AMOLED with a 1080p resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, making swiping and scrolling feel extra smooth. While there's no HDR video support, this is still an impressive feature for a budget phone. Performance-wise, the Redmi Note 12 4G has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 chipset that's similar to the one found in previous mid-range phones but with higher CPU clock speeds. This results in decent performance in CPU benchmarks, although graphics tests leave more to be desired. The battery life is good, with an overall endurance rating of 117 hours in our tests. The phone supports 33W charging and can go from 0-55% in half an hour. The cameras are a mixed bag: the main camera takes decent photos for its price tag, but it's let down by softness and noise, especially in low light conditions. The ultra-wide camera is also underwhelming at night. Selfies from the 13MP front-facing camera can be disappointing if the lighting isn't perfect. Video recording tops out at 1080p resolution, with footage from the main camera being soft but with decent colors. Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G offers good value for its price, with a great display, adequate performance, and good battery life. While it's not perfect, it's worth considering if you're in the market for a budget phone.

Xiaomi Redmi 9T

The Xiaomi Redmi 9T is an entry-level phone that shares many similarities with its counterpart, the Poco M3. However, there are some notable differences that set it apart. The design, for instance, boasts a glossy metallic finish and a splash-proof build, making it a great option for those who want peace of mind. The device also features NFC support, which is not available on the Poco M3. Under the hood, the Redmi 9T sports a Snapdragon 662 chipset, which provides decent performance but falls short in GPU-intensive tasks. This is likely due to the phone's 1080p display, which can be demanding on the processor. Despite this, the device manages to deliver excellent battery life, with our proprietary tests yielding an impressive 150 hours of usage. The cameras on the Redmi 9T are a mixed bag. The 8-megapixel ultra-wide camera is a welcome addition, but its photos lack detail and sharpness. The main camera takes good photos during the day, but struggles in low light conditions. Night mode does improve the quality, but it's still not up to par with other phones in this price range. In conclusion, the Xiaomi Redmi 9T offers a great balance of features for its price. While it may not excel in every department, it makes up for it with its splash-proof build, NFC support, and excellent battery life. For those looking for an entry-level phone that ticks all the right boxes, the Redmi 9T is definitely worth considering.